Duka, Fire sent home disappointed as Red Bulls celebrate first title

Brett and Brandon Pugach have been watching Dilly Duka play for years. Friends with his older brother Argjent since childhood in Montville, Dilly used to kick a soccer ball around with them.

It was a bit surreal to see Dilly Duka starting in midfield for Chicago in the 5-2 loss to the Red Bulls on Sunday afternoon.

“We knew he was a great player, but when it happens, it’s different,” said Brandon Pugach, who has traveled to Columbus, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia to watch Duka play.

“People who follow soccer know who he is. He’s an excellent player to watch. He’s quick on the ball, not afraid to take people on.”

Brett Pugach, his twin brother, added, “MLS is pure athleticism, and Dilly brings skill and awareness. That’s a change of pace for a typical MLS player.”

Duka played 68 minutes, and started the play which led to the Fire’s first goal — which was also the first goal of the match. Duka took a long, hard shot from outside the box which deflected to Mike Magee. The former MetroStars striker converted his opportunity against his former team.

“I’ve got to be a professional, go out there and play as hard as I can for the jersey I’m wearing,” said Duka, who has 24 starts in 31 games with Chicago.

“I’m not thinking much about them. I’m thinking about our team’s playoff hopes.”

Duka was drafted No. 8 by Columbus after two seasons at Rutgers. He appeared in 45 games over three seasons for the Crew before being dealt to Chicago during the offseason. Duka is enjoying his big-city life off the field, but still adjusting to his adopted hometown.

Duka had dinner with his family in Montville — a much-anticipated home-cooked meal of soup, salad, chicken and pasta — on Saturday night and watched some television. He expected at least 15 family members and friends at the match, but his younger sister Nora Duka said the crowd was double that. A half-dozen of them, some in Fire gear, hovered in the stands near the visitors’ bench at the end of the match.

Duka looked up to acknowledge them, but he was obviously unhappy with the result of the match.

The Red Bulls came from behind to earn the Supporters’ Shield on Sunday, the best overall regular-season record. It is the first major trophy for the original team, and while Duka’s fans acknowledged the celebration, they were more concerned with his disappointment.

Chicago needs help to make the playoffs.

“It’s very exciting, very nervewracking, but one of the greatest experiences ever,” said Nora Duka, 22. “Seeing your brother in the middle of a stadium with so many fans is a great feeling. There are no words to explain it.”

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About Jane Havsy

A New York City native, Jane has been a Daily Record sports reporter since July 2000. She will take you inside the local sports scene, as well as her own struggle to be as fit as a high school athlete.